Tolkien was grateful for Rayner's assistance, for himself, John Tolkien, and Priscilla Tolkien.[note 1] He enjoyed the party, the hotel accommodation were excellent, and when it rained at 6 a.m. he knew that it would clear up later for the occasion. The ceremonies inside the Palace had been a little tedious and comic, but Tolkien had been deeply moved by his brief meeting with the Queen.

Tolkien asked if Rayner would use Tolkien's Christian name since they were now very old and dear friends.